Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a diverse landscape of performance and acoustics. Two notable contenders are the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which fall into the linear switch category but offer distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Milky Red Pro is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, providing a satisfying and affordable typing experience that many users appreciate for both typing and casual gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm for rapid input, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an energetic flair to gameplay. While the Milky Red Pro is perfect for those who value smoothness and a subdued auditory experience, the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers seeking quick responsiveness and a more pronounced acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus share notable similarities in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is a classic one in the world of mechanical switches, as nylon is prized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon helps to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. As such, users can expect a comparable sound quality when typing on either switch, highlighting the distinct advantages of nylon as a switch housing material.
In terms of construction, the characteristics imparted by the nylon material are consistent across both the Milky Red Pro and Vintage Citrus. Both switches exhibit these nylon qualities in their top and bottom housings, which means that when activated, users will notice similar typing sounds and sensations. Specifically, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing significantly impacts the sound during the release of a key. This uniformity suggests that, regardless of the specific switch chosen, enthusiasts will achieve a relatively analogous typing experience.
However, while the two switches employ the same nylon material, any additional features or design differences—such as spring tension or stem design—could further influence the overall feel and sound experience. If the springs or stems diverge in any notable way, they might produce subtle differences in actuation force or noise, albeit the foundational properties remain consistent due to the use of nylon. Therefore, despite the overarching similarities in housing material, the finer details could afford users unique experiences depending on their preferences or intended applications, particularly for those seeking specific tactile responses in their typing journey.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight differences that may influence user preference. The Milky Red Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a light option suited for long typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which lends a bit more resistance and a more substantial feel during use. Despite the differences, both switches fall into the medium-light category, catering to users who enjoy a lighter touch but wish for distinct feedback from their switches. Consequently, while both switches share similar force requirements, those who favor a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Milky Red Pro, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal more to users seeking a slightly firmer press.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional and deeper keypress, which some users may find more comfortable and satisfying. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. In this comparison, the Milky Red Pro is the longer option with its 4 mm travel, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the shorter option at 3 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch produces a delightful auditory experience characterized by its low-pitched “thock” sound, which offers a satisfying depth that echoes a deep “thud” upon each keystroke. This switch also showcases a bassy quality that contributes to its rich and resonant sound profile, making it a joy for users who appreciate a more mellow tone during their typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch has an unspecified sound profile, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. Sound performance can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and chosen keycaps, so both options could vary in sound depending on these additional factors.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) excels with its buttery smooth feel, offering a seamless keystroke experience that glides effortlessly from one key to the next. This fluidity is particularly enjoyable for both typists and gamers who value a consistent and uniform typing sensation. The Vintage Citrus switch, however, also aimed at enhancing gameplay, is noted for its exceptionally low actuation force, though its exact tactile qualities haven’t been described. Until more detailed information about the Vintage Citrus’s feel becomes available, the Milky Red Pro remains the standout in this aspect.
In summary, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a low-pitched, thocky sound along with a buttery smooth feel, making it a solid choice for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. While the auditory aspects of the Vintage Citrus are undetermined and its tactile feedback remains unspecified, its low actuation force claims to provide rapid responses, making it a potentially suitable option for gamers. If you prioritize a smooth, satisfying typing experience, the Milky Red Pro is the clear choice, while the Vintage Citrus might attract those who value speed, pending further details on its performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your preferences and intended use case. If you’re seeking a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience coupled with a satisfying low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is an excellent choice. Its buttery feel makes it enjoyable for both typing and general usage, appealing especially to those who prioritize a comfortable, tactile experience. Conversely, if your primary focus is on gaming, the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for that purpose with its exceptionally low actuation force and high responsiveness for rapid inputs. The bright, clacky sound profile can further enhance your gaming experience, making it a suitable option for those who thrive on speed and accuracy in competitive scenarios. Ultimately, assess how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for typing, gaming, or a mix of both—and select the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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